Trinity College Gives Campus Buildings a Green Makeover
Trinity College (CT) is performing energy-saving upgrades on more than a dozen campus buildings. The renovations will cost the college $50 for each building under a state program financed by a small charge on utility customers' bills. The college will weatherize the buildings by sealing cracks and adding insulation.
U California Santa Barbara Buildings Earn LEED Certifications
Two University of California, Santa Barbara buildings have received LEED certification. An addition to the Engineering II building received LEED Gold certification in the new construction category and the Life Sciences Building received LEED Silver certification in the existing buildings category. The Life Sciences Building achievements include water savings of 29 percent, waste minimization strategies and passive solar design. The Engineering II building has achieved water savings of 40 percent and recycled 90 percent of construction waste, diverting 150 tons of materials from landfills.
U Florida Biomedical Sciences Building Achieves LEED Gold
The University of Florida's Biomedical Sciences building is the fifth building to achieve LEED Gold certification on its campus. More than three tons of construction materials were diverted from landfills and 79 percent of the wood used is Forest Stewardship Council certified. The building features low-flow plumbing fixtures, low-emission flooring adhesive and the use of 100 percent reclaimed water for outside irrigation.
U Illinois at Chicago Building Receives LEED Gold
A classroom building at the University of Illinois at Chicago has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The $13.7 million-renovation of Lincoln Hall includes a shared heating and cooling geothermal system and rooftop photovoltaic solar panels.
U Iowa Installs Wind Turbine
The University of Iowa has installed a 37-foot wind turbine. The turbine, funded through a $40,000 grant from the Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Department, will generate 2.4 kilowatts of power and be used as a learning tool. When the power is not being used or tested by College of Engineering students, the energy will feed into the university grid.
U Maryland Receives $500,000 Thermoelastic Cooling Research Grant
The University of Maryland has received a $500,000 research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The university's research proposal, titled "Thermoelastic Cooling," aspires to show the commercial potential of space cooling systems that are less dependent on fluids believed to contribute to global warming. University scientists believe the approach can increase air conditioner efficiency by 175 percent, reducing utility bills and carbon emissions.
U Missouri Students Plan 'Sustainahouse'
The University of Missouri’s nonprofit, student-run sustainability program, Sustain Mizzou, aims to increase its on-campus visibility with a project dubbed "Sustainahouse." Four to eight students will live in a rented house near campus and work to become a model of a more sustainable living environment for students. Residents will take shorter showers and grow and cook with locally grown produce. Sustain Mizzou plans to create a service learning class and provide Sustainahouse tours to the public. The group will start looking for tenants in December for the 2011 - 2012 school year.
U Nebraska Lincoln Completes Keim Hall Green Renovation
The University of Nebraska, Lincoln has completed a $14 million green renovation of Keim Hall. The university will seek LEED certification for the building, which features carpet made from a corn-based fiber, panels made from wheat straw, water-conserving facilities, rainwater harvesting and low-VOC emitting materials. More than 80 percent of the construction waste was diverted from landfills, 20 percent of construction materials were recycled and 14 percent of the materials were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site.
U New Mexico Education Building Awarded LEED Platinum
The University of New Mexico's College of Education building has achieved LEED Platinum status. More than 75 percent of construction waste for the 26,000-square-foot addition was diverted from landfills and 20 percent of the construction materials were regionally manufactured. The building features individual thermal and lighting control and a 10-kilowatt photovoltaic system.
U Portland Building Achieves LEED Platinum
The University of Portland’s (OR) Donald P. Shiley Hall has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. Green features of the engineering building include water-efficient landscaping and plumbing fixtures, occupancy sensors and operable windows. Ninety-two percent of the existing building structure was used and 92 percent of the construction waste was recycled. The building also features the use of irrigation groundwater to cool the floor, saving an estimated 8.5 percent of the total cooling energy for the building.
U Rochester Announces Renewable Energy Program
The University of Rochester (NY) is looking to train the next generation of renewable energy experts and entrepreneurs with a new renewable energy program. Funded by a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, students will receive training in economics, public policy, communications and psychology. The program integrates multidisciplinary research involving several academic departments and students will be exposed to the multicultural and global aspects of renewable energy.
USA Today: Colleges Using Sustainability to Attract Students
Using sustainability to attract student enrollment is a growing trend among higher education institutions, says a recent article in USA Today. Twenty-seven percent of colleges and universities incorporated a sustainability message during admissions and student orientation processes in 2009. Today, the number has increased to 69 percent.
U Texas to Decrease Water Fountain Hours
The University of Texas has announced a plan to reduce campus water fountain operation hours to save money and conserve water. Operating hours will be reduced from 17 to 10 hours per day, saving an expected one million gallons of water per year.
West Texas A&M Awarded Renewable Energy Grant
West Texas A&M University’s Alternative Energy Institute has received a $497,350 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office for the installation of two renewable energy systems. The grant will help reduce energy consumption at the university with the $622,000 installation of a 48-kilowatt photovoltaic system and 50-kilowatt wind system for the feed mill. Monitoring of both systems will be available for the public through seminars and display areas.
Berkshire CC Kicks Off Energy Monitoring and Management Program
Berkshire Community College (MA) is part of a $55 million pilot project to monitor and better manage energy use in state buildings. Funded by federal stimulus money, the Department of Energy Resources and energy management company EnerNOC, will install energy meters, computer systems and web-based monitoring programs in 33 state-owned sites, including colleges. Berkshire will monitor electricity and natural gas use with the installation of 20 meters this fall. The monitors will reveal spot energy spikes and excessive use, providing building managers with specific data to reduce energy use. The information can also be accessed by college staff and students.
Cal Poly Pomona Introduces Recycling Dream Machine to Campus
Cal Poly Pomona (CA) has installed three recycling Dream Machines on campus. The kiosks feature a wireless Internet connection that allows users to learn more about recycling, accumulate rewards points and keep track of their recycling activities. Starting in the fall, points can be redeemed for discounts around campus, or for entertainment, dining and travel coupons at Greenopolis.com. The university hopes to recycle 20,000 bottles and cans by December.
Carnegie Mellon U Installs Energy Management Application
Carnegie Mellon University (PA) has installed a data-driven energy efficiency application in two of its LEED Silver certified-buildings. The SiteSMART application, from energy management company EnerNOC, identifies energy inefficiencies by analyzing building management system data from thousands of energy-consuming devices across facilities. SiteSMART analysts also deliver monthly score cards that rank energy efficient measures by financial, energy and carbon savings.
Century College Develops Introductory Solar Energy Design Classes
Century College (MN) and the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society have developed one-day introduction courses for students interested in learning the basics of designing solar photovoltaic and solar hot water heating systems. The college will also offer a half-day course for students interested in exploring renewable energy careers.
Delta College and Saginaw Valley State U to Start Campus Shuttle
Delta College (MI) and Saginaw Valley State University (MI) have partnered with Bay Metro to provide a campus park-n-ride route. Delta College hopes that the new bus route will alleviate the need for additional parking spots in the future and help reduce the campus' carbon footprint. To start, 30 parking spots will be available, with plans to put in bike racks. The cost per ride is 75 cents for students.
Emory U Diverts 68 Tons of Animal Bedding from Landfills
Emory University (GA) has announced the diversion of more than 68 tons of animal bedding from Georgia landfills since the start of its composting program in November 2009. The bedding, which consists of wood waste and is used primarily with campus lab rats and mice, used to be incinerated or buried in landfills. Now the university has partnered with Greenco Environmental, which handles the composting of non-infectious animal bedding materials and campus food waste. To date, 196 combined tons of animal bedding and food waste have been collected from the university and sent to Greenco. The campus plans to divert 95 percent of its bedding materials from landfills by 2015.
Emory U Uses Energy Savings for Haiti Relief Efforts
Student teams from Emory University (GA) are off to Haiti to work on earthquake relief efforts thanks to $33,000 in savings due to a reduction in campus energy consumption. Faculty, students and staff cut back their energy use by four percent as part of the Haiti Relief Energy Conservation Challenge. With the energy funds saved, students selected by the university's Global Health Institute are working through August in rural Haiti on the expansion of safe water access through a household water chlorination program and a project assessing mental health.
Fairfield U Plants Vegetable and Herb Garden
Fairfield University (CT) has started planting the campus’ first vegetable and herb garden. The garden’s harvest will be used for student dining this fall and stock the shelves of area food pantries this summer. Root vegetables, perennial herbs, hot and sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes and pumpkins are among the vegetables that will be planted in 18 raised beds. Faculty, students, staff and alumni will tend the garden.
Fanshawe College Debuts Green Roof
Fanshawe College (ON) has installed its first living green roof. Drought-resistant perennial plants cover 850 square feet of rooftop space. The plant modules, each filled with six different types of sedum, are designed to be waterproof and impenetrable while supporting drainage and root growth. The roof will reduce noise and storm water runoff, save energy, improve air quality, provide better insulation and aid in fire prevention. Students who worked on the roof received training and professional certification in green roof installation.
Furman U Receives Grant for Solar Panel Project
Furman University (SC) has received a $340,000 grant to install 304 photovoltaic solar panels this fall. The installation at the Physical Activities Center is expected to quadruple the solar energy output on campus. The solar panels will have a peak production output of 92 kilowatts and are expected to save the university $9,300 per year based on current electric rates.
Lakeshore Tech College Installs Wind Turbine for Training Opps
Lakeshore Technical College (WI) has installed the campus' second wind turbine. At 120 feet, the 50-kilowatt turbine will provide opportunities for student training and field testing. Regular maintenance of the turbine will be performed by second-year students in the wind energy technology associate's degree program. A third wind turbine is scheduled for installation later this summer.
Mountain State U Introduces Environmental Sustainability Degree
Mountain State University (WV) is offering a new Bachelor of Science in environmental sustainability. The biology-based program integrates a traditional science curriculum with environmental awareness. The program will prepare students for job opportunities in the fields of academics, research, development and implementation of sustainable and green technologies.
North Carolina State U Installs Green Roof
North Carolina State University has completed the installation of a 3,780-foot green roof at the campus' new engineering building. The roof features 10 drought-resistant plants and will save the university an estimated 25-50 percent in heating and cooling costs.
Pennsylvania State U Receives Grant to Install Wind Turbine
Pennsylvania State University has received a $96,425 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to install a 10-kilowatt wind turbine. A portion of the grant money will go toward the development of a two-year renewable energy major, to debut this fall. The program will introduce students to the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of photovoltaic, wind turbine and solar thermal systems.
Syracuse U Connects Neighborhood Food Desert with Local Farmers
Syracuse University's (NY) Environmental Finance Center has partnered with Central New York (CNY) Bounty to provide fresh, local and organic foods to neighborhoods in need of alternative food options. In these areas, known as "food deserts," residents must travel long distances to supermarkets that don't provide fresh or local food options. Through the CNY Bounty online farmers' market, residents can order food for pick-up at the university's South Side Innovation Center. The collaboration will also support the local economy by connecting Syracuse residents with small-scale local farmers and producers.
U California Riverside Students Vote for Green Tax
Students at the University of California, Riverside have passed a green fee referendum. After campaigning in favor of the green tax, students will now pay $2.50 per quarter for four years. Part of the proceeds will go toward the installation of solar panels to boost renewable energy on campus. The university plans to install solar panels atop the student union structure in the next few years.
U Mass Medical Implements Cooking Oil to Biodiesel Program
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has announced a 35 percent reduction in cooking oil use with the implementation of a new oil filtration process that extends the life of the oil. The filter is able to screen out food particles 100 times smaller than the previous system, extending the oil's usable life. When the oil can no longer be used for cooking, it is collected by Baker Commodities, a firm that processes the oil for use as biodiesel.
U Mass Medical Opens Green Ambulatory Care Center
The University of Massachusetts Medical School will seek LEED Silver certification for its new Ambulatory Care Center. Green features of the center include a white roof, insulated windows, low-flow/low-flush plumbing fixtures, lighting occupancy sensors, passive solar design and recycled construction materials.
U Mississippi Uses Biodiesel for Lawnmowers
The University of Mississippi has started using 20 percent biodiesel fuel to operate all campus mowers. The biodiesel fuel is made by research technicians at the University of Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, who say that the new practice should cut campus lawnmower pollution by as much as 50 percent. Seven industrial lawnmowers use biodiesel and the landscaping crew is also experimenting with biodiesel in small engine machinery.
U Ottawa Unveils Community Garden
The University of Ottawa (ON) has started a 32-square-foot community garden project. A student volunteer organization will look after and manage the garden, which has 42 plots open to the community. Four communal plots are also on hand for campus projects. Students and faculty can apply for the reserved plots for research purposes.
Vanderbilt U Residence Halls Awarded LEED Gold
Three Vanderbilt University (TN) residence halls have earned LEED Gold certification. Combined, the Stambaugh, Hank Ingram and Murray House buildings are expected to reduce energy use by 15 percent. The university used 26 percent recycled materials during the $40 million construction and diverted more than 74 percent of demolition and construction waste from landfills.
Virginia Polytechnic Wins Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 Competition
Lumenhaus, a solar-powered home designed and built by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University students and faculty, has won the top award at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 Competition in Madrid, Spain. Universities from Europe, the Americas and Asia entered model homes in the 10-category competition. Lumenhaus generates electricity using a 9-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array and includes a geothermal heat-pump system and radiant floor heating.
Washington State U Students Build Green Roof
Washington State University landscape architecture students have built a green roof as part of a multi-phased display garden. The students had the opportunity to design a space, do a cost estimate on the materials and build the roof. Located atop a shade and storage pavilion, the roof was constructed almost entirely from 100-year-old recycled wood. The roof supports small drought-tolerant plants and will reduce water runoff.
Washington State U Students Initiate Bike Rental System
Students at Washington State University have funded the BIXI bicycle system, to debut this fall. The bike program will allow students to take a rental bike from any given location and drop it off at another during a free, 24-hour rental period. The campus will receive 30 BIXI bikes with four docking stations.
Bowling Green State U Receives $911,658 Energy Grant
Bowling Green State University (OH) has received $911,658 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The university plans to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in computer science and information technology building, Hayes Hall. Energy-efficient lighting and a computer-based building management system to control lights and temperature will also be installed.
College of Saint Rose 'Sustainability House' Reduces Energy Use
The College of Saint Rose (NY) has announced a significant decrease in energy use since the inception of its sustainability-themed campus housing. Last year, members of the college's Environmental Club proposed that a campus house be converted into a place where residents could live a more sustainable lifestyle by cutting back on water, electricity and waste. The house features water restrictors on the showers, compact fluorescent light bulbs and three composters for food waste. The Sustainability House residents' goal for the next school year is to bridge the sustainability gap between the campus and community with mandatory community service projects for those who live there.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U Creates Clean Energy Systems Degree
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) has announced the addition of a clean energy systems degree to its engineering department. The curriculum will cover turbines, systems that make energy from the heat of the sun, earth and ocean, and systems for storing energy. Students will have the opportunity to take courses and complete projects related to hybrid vehicles, solar lighting, green engineering and eco-friendly aviation. The program is slated for a fall 2010 start.
Emory U Debuts Online Sustainability Map
Emory University (GA) is kicking off its Walk N' Roll campaign with the launch of an online sustainability map. Funded by an $18,000 Urban Land Institute grant with matching funds from the university, the campaign aims to reduce the university's carbon footprint by creating a pedestrian campus core to include walking, wheeling and biking. Users of the online map can find bike share locations, walking tours and trails, or embark on a scavenger hunt for Emory's LEED-certified buildings. The map also identifies educational campus gardens, a compact fluorescent light bulb recycling center and the campus farmers' market.
Gonzaga U Science Center Earns LEED Gold
Gonzaga University's (WA) PACCAR Center for Applied Science has earned LEED Gold certification. Environmentally friendly achievements include the reduction of potable water use by 34.4 percent, energy cost savings of 30.5 percent and 210 tons of on-site construction waste diverted from the landfill. More than 34 percent of the building materials were harvested and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. The location provides access to day lighting, promotes open public green space and provides opportunities to connect and extend the campus pedestrian system.
Ithaca College Reduces Dining Carbon Footprint by 26%
Dining Services at Ithaca College (NY) has reduced its energy bills by 30 percent and carbon footprint by 26 percent through several recent upgrades. Hoods that automatically control fan levels based on kitchen temperature were installed in campus dining halls and the food court, along with walk-in cooler and freezer air curtains and low-flow spray nozzles. Ithaca Dining Services plans to purchase an updated bakery oven that will save $19,500 annually, making the return on investment in 1.8 years.
Owens CC Installs Solar Panels with Students
Students at Owens Community College (OH) received hands-on training with the installation of the college's new solar array. The 1.7-kilowatt array features eight panels and will be used to convert sunlight into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Community Education and Wellness Center. The college's photovoltaic installation program will teach students about photovoltaic systems and theory. Course content includes system sizing and construction, codes and standards, interconnection safety, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Rochester Inst of Tech Awarded $1 Mil for Sustainability Center
The Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) has received a $1 million disbursement from Eastman Kodak Company's Rochester economic development fund in support of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability. The funding supports a lab for collaborative research, as well as scholarship, equipment and operations at the sustainability institute.
Stanford U Initiates Freezer Retirement Program
Stanford University's (CA) Department of Sustainability and Energy Management is urging researchers to get rid of their old ultra-low temperature freezers. The freezer retirement initiative is offering cash incentives for researchers to upgrade to more energy-efficient models through August. Stanford has more than 2,000 freezers at an operational cost of $5.6 million each year. The freezers consume an estimated 40 million BTUs of energy and generate 3,600 tons of carbon dioxide.
Students at U Hawaii-Maui CC Install Solar Panel Grid
University of Hawaii-Maui Community College has debuted a new solar panel grid that was installed by students. The panels were installed over the course of the spring semester by a team of 20 students as part of the college's solar energy technology training program. Another team of electronics and computer engineering students spent two semesters designing the grid. The solar energy system is made up of 84 photovoltaic panels that feed the campus grid. The college estimates electric bill savings of up to $10,000 per year.
Swarthmore College Good Food Project Starts Campus Window Farm
Swarthmore College's (PA) student-led Good Food Project has built a campus hydroponic window farm. The farm is made from stacks of plastic bottles which each contain a dirt filter and a small plant. Water trickles down each stack until it reaches the bottom, where a hydroponic pump recycles it to the top of the stack. Window farms have low ecological impact while supporting edible produce and can operate year-round indoors with enough sunlight. The farm currently houses small lettuce plants. Organizers hope to grow small tomatoes and peas later in the summer.
